UIL wrestling: Tascosa's Herrmann dominates nationally

Thursday

There hasn't been a more dominant male wrestler in the past four seasons than Tascosa's Nick Herrmann.

The 120-pound senior has done everything he has set out to do, winning three consecutive state and national championships with a stellar 150-4 record.

Herrmann is attempting to do what no wrestler in Texas has done before: win four straight state and national titles. The next step is the UIL State Wrestling Championships at 9 a.m. Friday at the Delco Center in Austin.

"I'm pretty excited," Herrmann said. "I'm always excited when state rolls around, but this year it's a little bit different. I have a little bit more weight on my shoulders this go-around. Hopefully, I am going to continue what I'm doing."

Herrmann has wrestled under Rebels coach Joe Stafford since Stafford started at Tascosa four seasons ago.

"He's had an unbelievable career," Stafford said. "He's always handled competition real well. I know that it's nerve-racking. People have high expectations for you, and you multiply that by 20 for a guy who has done as much as he's done. He's handled it well."

Herrmann (39-0 this season) said he is excited to have the opportunity to be the first male wrestler to win four straight UIL titles. He expects to remain focused enough to keep the nerves away.

"There was some nerves as first, but now I'm not as worried," Herrmann said. "I'm not going to let it get to my head and distract me."

Stafford said he isn't concerned about Herrmann on the mat.

"I worry more about the mental fatigue in the week preceding before I ever worry about him competing," Stafford said. "He's in his element when he competes. Once we get weighed in and once the tournament starts, I think that will take care of itself. I'm not concerned about the outcome. I just hate the discomfort of the preceding week."

Stafford said Herrmann has taken over the leadership role at Tascosa.

"He's always led by example," Stafford said. "He keeps the intensity of the room high. I think these younger guys, especially at the lighter weights, they come to understand that that's what's expected. His leadership has been increasing year after year. I think everyone looks to him for the tempo of the room."

Stafford said Herrmann is the type of wrestler who motivates himself.

"A guy like that you don't have to worry about," Stafford said. "His motor was running when it got here, and it'll be running when he leaves. That's never been something I've had to do with him. He's always bringing it. A kid like that makes a coach look good."

After the state tournament, Herrmann will focus on the national tournament in Virginia Beach, Va.

"I've had a couple of friends who have already graduated who said senior nationals is a lot different than the other ones," Herrmann said. "I'm pretty excited for that, too. I'm ready to get in there and mix it up."